Another Severe Winter Hampers U.P. Deer Herd

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A map graphic shows winter snow depth in the Upper Peninsula during the winter of 2025-26.

This past winter, with its heavy snowfall, marks the third severe winter in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the past five years and could significantly impact the peninsula’s white-tailed deer population.

Wildlife biologists from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources conducted field necropsies of vehicle-killed deer in late winter and spring and documented widespread signs of starvation.

A white-tailed deer is shown in an Upper Peninsula winter.

Biologists look inside leg bones of deer to examine bone marrow fat as an indicator of nutritional status. Deer that are exhibiting a red, gelatinous marrow have no fat reserves and often succumb to starvation.

The U.P. logged 111 days with at least 12 inches of snow on the ground this winter, making it one of the harshest seasons in the past quarter-century for the deer herd. Read more

Wildlife

2026 Florida Python Challenge Kicks Off July 10 — Registration Still Open

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Exactly one minute after the clock strikes midnight tonight, participants in the 2026 Florida Python Challenge™ will start their search for invasive Burmese pythons as this year’s python removal competition officially begins! Starting at 12:01 a.m. this Friday, July 10, and running until 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, competitors in this year’s event will get the chance to win a share of $25,000 in prizes while raising awareness about nonnative species and helping to protect the native Florida wildlife that call the iconic Everglades ecosystem home.

This year’s event, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District, features Everglades National Park as a partner and one of eight official competition locations. The 2026 Florida Python Challenge also offers an Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000 for the participant that removes the most pythons during the 10-day competition, with additional prizes up for grabs for the most and longest pythons removed in three different categories, including professional, novice and military. Read more

Wildlife

Today’s 100 Days of Silence Giveaway $3,100+ Prize Package

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Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Silencer Central invites you to get in on the biggest suppressor giveaway in history, the 100 Days of Silence. Today, July 10, 2026, is Day 85 of the 100 Days of Silence promotion, and one lucky winner will receive over $3,100 in prizes. This giveaway is available just for today, so enter now. The lucky winner could be you.

Today’s prize package includes:

  • CZ P-09 Nocturne SR 9mm
  • BANISH PSTL 45 Ti Suppressor (Formerly known as the BANISH 45)
  • Steiner Optics MPS-C Pistol Sight
  • Winchester Ammunition Supper Suppressed Ammo
  • Shooting Targets USA Target
  • One-year Armorer membership

Today’s huge prize package is part of the 100 Days of Silence promotion; the largest giveaway of firearms and suppressors ever attempted. Each day a new prize package is up for grabs, but there are only 15 more chances to win, so enter now. Keep in mind, you must register for the giveaway every day. Enter and find complete eligibility details and official rules are available at www.PopularSuppressors.com/100-Days-of-Silence/. Read more

Firearms, Optics, Promotions

NSSF Statement on 7th Circuit Barnett Ruling

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NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is disappointed by the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Barnett v. Raoul. NSSF respectfully disagrees with the Court’s decision to reverse and remand a lower court’s ruling — made after conducting a several-day bench trial — that Illinois’ law is unconstitutional and that Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) and standard-capacity magazines are “arms” protected by the Second Amendment. As disappointing as this decision is, NSSF is confident that the U.S. Supreme Court’s holdings in Heller and Bruen are clear and those precedents plainly vindicate the challenges to similar laws that will be argued before the Supreme Court in Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins in the next session.

NSSF is a plaintiff in this case and plans on filing a cert petition with the U.S. Supreme Court.

NSSF believes the Seventh Circuit erred in its decision when it ruled that MSRs are “dangerous and unusual.” There are more than 32 million MSRs in circulation today, making these semiautomatic, centerfire rifles commonly owned and commonly used by nearly every standard. Likewise, there are hundreds of millions of standard-capacity magazines owned by law-abiding Americans in the United States. Further, NSSF believes the court misapplied the Bruen test by relying on a handful of laws restricting the carrying of Bowie knives that are in no way analogous to Illinois’ law and post-date not only the Nation’s founding, but also the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment.

NSSF agrees with Chief Judge Michael Brennan’s dissent, in the strongest terms, in which he wrote, “Now, with perhaps the most comprehensive trial record in any Second Amendment case to date, this court repeats its error. Our Nation’s enduring traditions forbid governments from prohibiting firearms commonly owned for self-defense. Because the people have overwhelmingly chosen the AR-15 rifle and its magazine as their weapon of choice, they are protected by the Second Amendment.”

About NSSF: NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.

Gun Control

FPC Statement on Seventh Circuit Decision Upholding Illinois Assault Weapons and Large-Capacity Magazine Bans

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Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) President Brandon Combs issued the following statement responding to the Seventh Circuit’s opinion in FPC’s Harrel v. Raoul lawsuit (consolidated with Barnett v. Raoul and others) challenging the Illinois Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA) bans on so-called “assault weapons” and “large-capacity” magazines. The district court declared the bans unconstitutional following extensive briefing, presentation of evidence, and a trial, but the Seventh Circuit reversed that ruling today:

“Today’s decision is exactly what we’ve come to expect from courts desperately contorting themselves to keep failed gun-control theories alive. While the opinion is unquestionably atrocious in both its legal reasoning and moral foundation, the good news is that today’s opinion is not the future of Second Amendment jurisprudence but the death rattle of the failed gun-control era—the last gasp of a dying authoritarian legal movement that has spent years engaging in judicial jiggery-pokery, inventing exceptions, rewriting history, misrepresenting reality, and treating the Second Amendment like a second-class right.

Just days ago, the Supreme Court granted review in FPC’s Viramontes v. Cook County case, which squarely presents the issue these lower courts keep working so hard to avoid. That grant of certiorari was not an accident. It is a recognition that the confusion and open defiance in the lower courts—exemplified yet again by today’s Seventh Circuit decision—cannot and must not continue.

The Constitution does not permit governments to outlaw these firearms and magazines, full stop. Nor does it allow judges to substitute their personal policy preferences for the scope of the right the Constitution enshrined, or to ignore the test the Supreme Court has repeatedly required. The Supreme Court now has the opportunity to restore order to a body of law that some lower courts have treated as optional. When it does, opinions like this will serve as little more than historical reminders of how far some courts were willing to go to deny Americans the exercise of a fundamental constitutional right.

For years, anti-rights governments have benefited from some judges willing to do whatever it took to preserve their unconstitutional and immoral bans. They’ve won some battles along the way. But we are going to win the war.

FPC is going to achieve our Current Mission which is to restore the essential right to keep and bear arms throughout the United States. We will continue to Fight Forward until every unconstitutional arms ban falls and the Second Amendment is treated like every other constitutional guarantee—not as a suggestion, but as the supreme law of the land.” Read more

Gun Control

Wilson Combat Unveils the America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series

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Wilson Combat is proud to introduce the America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series, a special commemorative lineup of custom 1911 pistols created to honor the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Built on a full custom Wilson Combat 1911 platform, the America 250th series combines the iconic American fighting pistol with exclusive engraving created specifically for the United States Semiquincentennial. Each pistol is built in all domestically sourced stainless steel and finished with a unique serialized frame, deluxe satin-polished flats, glass-beaded rounds, gold-bead front sight, hand-checkered rear slide, magwell, ambidextrous safety, fluted chamber, carry cuts, and other premium custom features.

The series is offered in two distinct engraving treatments. Read more

Firearms

WOOX Introduces the Elegante Hybrid Bolt Action Stock

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WOOX, manufacturers of Italian-American made gunstocks, axes and knives, crafted with the finest materials and the latest technology, is proud to announce the introduction of the new Elegante Hybrid bolt action rifle stock. The Hybrid was designed and engineered for hunters who demand precision without giving up the feel and carry of a traditional bolt action hunting rifle.

“The Elegante Series began as a true passion project for our entire team,” said Ben Fleming, CEO of WOOX USA. “WOOX has always been known for blending the timeless character of wood with the strength, performance, and modern refinement of metal and aluminum. With the Elegante Series, our goal was to create something that felt classic and nostalgic in appearance, while incorporating modern design elements that enhance repeatability, consistency, and precision.” Fleming goes on to say, “We poured an incredible amount of care, craftsmanship, and intention into every detail of this series, and I’m confident the result is a timeless design that will resonate with end users who value both beauty and performance.”

The new Elegante Hybrid carries like a traditional hunting rifle should, but it shoots with the consistency of something that costs considerably more. Crafted from carefully selected Claro American walnut, this precision-built hunting platform delivers the balance and handling expected from high-end modern bolt action platforms. The Hybrid is perfectly shaped and crafted in Italy, and hand finished in Hickory, NC. Weighing in at just 35 ounces, the Elegante Hybrid is well under the weight of a traditional wood rifle stock. It utilizes an integrated aluminum mini-chassis and an internal weight system that allows for fine-tuning of the rifle to create the perfect balance between weight, repeatability, handling, and performance. (weights sold separately).

The Elegante Hybrid features a vertical grip, flat-bottom forend, negative comb, and integrated thumb rest to provide stability and comfort in any situation. This unique stock provides the same precision tolerances and repeatable bedding geometry that gives you chassis level performance in a hybrid walnut stock. The Elegante Hybrid stock is built from a single piece of American walnut with two choices of wood grades, standard or high-grade American walnut. Each is hand-selected and chosen specifically for grain and character. Because walnut is a natural material, no two stocks carry the same pattern. The one you order is the only one that looks exactly like it, anywhere.

Premium Features Include:

  • Full-length standard and high-grade American walnut, hand-oiled
  • Integrated aerospace-grade aluminum mini-chassis
  • Negative comb design
  • 20-degree vertical grip with L/R integrated thumb rest
  • Integrated suspense system for balance and weight distribution
  • M-LOK 6-slot rail at 6 o’clock position on forend for accessories
  • Ventilated recoil pad for enhanced comfort
  • Adjustable length of pull via optional spacers
  • MSRP: Standard American Walnut $549.00

High Grade Walnut $879.00

*Currently available for: Remington 700 SA/LA · Ruger 10/22 · Ruger American Gen2 Read more

Firearms

XS Sights Introduces R3D 2.0 Sights for PSA’s Dagger Micro Pistol

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Fort Worth, Texas – XS® Sights R3D 2.0 night sights are now available for Palmetto State Armory’s Dagger Micro Pistol.

Designed for self-defense, the R3D 2.0 improves target acquisition speed and accuracy in any light, taking the performance of your Dagger Micro to a new level. A traditional, 3-dot notch and post sight, the R3D 2.0 has two rear tritium dots while the front sight features a self-luminous tritium lamp surrounded by XS’s proprietary Glow Dot ring. The Glow Dot is available in green or orange to accommodate personal color preference. The dual illumination causes the front sight to glow brighter than the rear and, combined with the wide rear notch, provides more visible indexing for increased speed, precision, and accuracy.

“The R3D 2.0 is a great upgrade for everyday carry guns,” said Jeff King, Marketing Manager, XS Sights. “They are easy to install, no need for filing and hammering, and the Black Nitride finish provides superior corrosion resistance making this rugged steel sight incredibly durable.”

Retail Price:

R3D 2.0 Green – $128.12

R3D 2.0 Orange – $128.12

XS sights are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The company also offers a 12-year illumination warranty on all tritium products. For more information, visit www.xssights.com. Read more

Optics

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Now Available with Viridian RFX1

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MARYVILLE, TN. – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces today the release of the Bodyguard 2.0 with an installed Viridian RFX1.

The award-winning Bodyguard 2.0 offers unparalleled performance in a compact and lightweight footprint. Chambered in .380 Auto, this micro-pistol comes with a flush-fit 10-round magazine, an extended 12-round magazine, and options with or without a thumb safety. Weighing just twelve ounces and measuring 4.8 inches in height, 5.5 inches in length, and under one inch in width, its enhanced ergonomic design ensures improved control for hands of all sizes. When combined with its striker-fired flat-face trigger and increased capacity, the Bodyguard 2.0 is engineered to deliver optimal performance as an ideal deep concealment option for users.

Out of the box, this Bodyguard 2.0 ships with an already mounted Viridian RFX1 Green Dot Reflex optic and a bright tritium-insert front sight, which allows the user to rapidly acquire and stay on target. Specifically designed for the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0, the Viridian RFX1 offers elite performance without adding bulk. A sharp 3 MOA green dot and fully multi-coated glass deliver fast, accurate aiming in any light. The auto-brightness sensor adapts instantly to your surroundings, while Viridian’s INSTANT-ON® technology activates the optic the moment the gun moves – no buttons, no delay. With machined aluminum housing, the RFX1 is shockproof and elevates the Bodyguard 2.0 platform to the next level.

Precision in your Palm – the S&W® Bodyguard 2.0 with Viridian RFX1 optic sight. For more information, visit www.smith-wesson.com. Read more

Firearms

Participate in Deer Exchange to Donate or Receive Venison

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Nebraskans who want to donate or receive harvested deer can participate in the Deer Exchange.

This program is designed to accommodate the additional harvest of deer. It brings together hunters who have a surplus of deer with recipients willing to accept the deer meat.

The Deer Exchange, available annually from Sept. 1 through March 1, allows hunters and potential venison recipients to join a database and search for other participating parties in their area. Read more

Hunting
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